Official Lineup Set for 16th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

With a record-breaking year for submissions, SketchFest Founder Brian Posen is thrilled to announce the official line-up for the 16th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, taking place January 5 through 15, 2017, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont.

Fusing SketchFest veterans with fresh new faces, and local favorites with award-winning international ensembles, Chicago SketchFest is the true essence of a comedic melting pot. Since its debut in 2002, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has grown to a sketch comedy oasis and the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting over 1,000 artists and 10,000 patrons annually.

"The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival continues to redefine itself," says Posen. "There are new and interesting voices each year. Chicago SketchFest is my favorite. Every flavor of comedy under one roof. I love the 8 days of constant laughter and celebration."

The eclectic 2017 line-up will boast 160 groups performing 180 shows in 8 days. Headliners include award-winning LA sketch comedy troupe The Cool Table featuring Kyle Moore and returning favorites Heavy Weight (LA) featuring TJ Miller and Nick Vatterott, and New York's Pop Roulettefeaturing SNL writer Sudi Green. Chicago SketchFest veterans The Defiant Thomas Brothers, The Cupid Players, and Rabbit Rabbit embody the spirit of the Chicago sketch comedy scene, while international ensembles put their own spin on the festival, featuring Winnipeg-based troupe Hot Thespian Action, whoseSketchFest 2015 sold-out show was an instant hit; Toronto Sketch Festival "Best Group" Winner The Best of Friends; Montreal-based Hot Raw Fire; and three-time Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch troupe from Vancouver, Peter n' Chris. The entire schedule for the 16thAnnual Chicago Sketch Comedy FestiVal May be viewed at www.ChicagoSketchfest.com.

Tickets for the 16th Annual Chicago Sketch Festival are $15 each, and go on saleDecemeber 1 at 12 p.m. Patrons can purchase an all-festival pass for$250, gaining admission to any SketchFests 180+ shows! Thursday, Friday, and half-day Sunday day passes are available for $35, $50, and $45 respectively. New this year, are "One Weekend Passes" for $125. All passes purchased before December 31 are 20%.

Performances take place at the top of each hour from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Thursday shows; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Friday shows; 5 p.m to 11 p.m. for Saturday shows; and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 8th and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 15th. Tickets and information are available online at www.Stage773.com, by phone 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office, located at 1225 W Belmont.

As part of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, Stage 773 Board of Directors hosts a one-night exclusive comedic event, Smorgasboard, taking place on Saturday, January 7. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests will enjoy bites, beverages and a private performance from a plethora of SketchFest talent. At 7 p.m., guests will be the first to see all new material from Stage 773's very own Cupid Players. Tickets for Smorgasboard are $70 ($40 tax deductible), with an exclusive offer to patrons to purchase Saturday night passes for an additional $30. For tickets and additional information, contact nicole@stage773.com.

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is supported by the following sponsors, CH Distillery, Official Liquor Sponsor of SketchFest, Time Out Magazine, Official Media Sponsor of SketchFest and Home Run Inn, Official Neighborhood Sponsor of SketchFest.

Stage 773 is a vibrant anchor of the Belmont Theatre District and home to Chicago's finest off-Loop talent. As a performance and tenant venue, our four stages provide entertainment for everyone: comedy, theatre, dance, musicals and more. We are a not-for-profit, connecting and catalyzing the theater community, while showcasing established artists and incubating up-and- coming talent.

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